This weekend, the University of Houston-Downtown will conclude its spring commencement ceremonies, and I am looking forward to congratulating more than 1,400 graduates at Minute Maid Park. Last Friday, I also was honored to preside over the Marilyn Davies College of Business Commencement program.

I applaud all of our spring graduates on Finishing UHD Strong. Your accomplishments were made possible through discipline and commitment. You balanced work, family, coursework and other responsibilities to achieve this goal. While your academic journeys have concluded, you will now prepare for new chapters in your lives. You may be starting a career, preparing for a promotion, or continuing your education at our institution or another university. Wherever your journey takes you, you will always be a UHD Gator. I encourage you to share your UHD story with others and stay in touch with your alma mater.

While UHD’s commencement events honor our students’ accomplishments, I’d be remiss if I did not acknowledge those faculty and staff members who provided you with guidance in and out of the classroom. Likewise, I must recognize the families of our spring graduates for their unconditional support. Parents, spouses, siblings, sons, and daughters play a critical role in the success of our students.

Seeing faculty, friends and others come together to celebrate the successes of our students is one of the rewards of working in higher education and at a great institution like the University of Houston-Downtown. Likewise, the ceremonial conferring of degrees also is a highlight of my role as University president.

It’s a powerful moment to see 1,400 graduates in the stands of Minute Maid Park and to hear the affirmation of their families. It’s a reflection of 1,400 individual examples of Gator Grit and demonstrates UHD’s commitment to excellence and success.

Congratulations, Spring 2018 Graduates. I look forward to seeing you this weekend.

Dr. Juan Sánchez Muñoz
UHD President